ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: The ICC has officially confirmed the 2026 Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup schedule to be held between January 15 and February 6, 2026, in Zimbabwe and Namibia. India starts their campaign against the USA in Bulawayo, kicking off a high-stakes tournament that features 16 nations.
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: Which Teams Are Contending and Where Will Matches Be Played?
The event will host 16 teams, divided into four groups of four, and they will play a total of 41 matches spread out over 23 days.
The five confirmed venues include:
- Harare Sports Club (Zimbabwe)
- Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)
- Namibia Cricket Ground/Windhoek
- HP Oval, Windhoek
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: What Does India’s Group Look Like?
India has been drawn into Group A alongside the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
A key talking point is that India and Pakistan have been kept in separate groups, avoiding a high-tension clash in the group stage.
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 Fixture
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup schedule announced
Details 🔽https://t.co/uXZdYChGz1 pic.twitter.com/AeO90UTw8Y
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 19, 2025
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: Who are the New Faces & Debutants?
One of the most striking features of the 2026 edition will be the U-19 World Cup’s representation from Tanzania, who will make their first-ever appearance in the event.
Meanwhile, Japan returns to the tournament after having missed previous editions.
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: What’s the Roadmap After Group Stage?
The format of the tournament will be as follows:
- Group Stage: 16 teams divided into four groups.
- Super Six: The top three teams from each group advance to this secondary round.
- Knockouts: Semi-finals and the grand final, which will be held on February 6 in Harare.
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: Why is this Edition important for the emerging cricketing Nations?
The U-19 World Cup has long been a launchpad into international success for young cricketers. Brian Lara, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill made their names here.
The inclusion of Tanzania also extends the ICC’s drive to globalize the sport at junior levels, offering more nations a chance to compete on a grand stage.
ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: What are the Key dates to Watch?
January 9–14: Warm-up matches before the real tournament gets underway. January 15: Opening day, India vs USA among matches.
February 6: The Final at Harare Sports Club, finishing the tournament in style.
